‘The critical reader will observe we personify our _new name_; but as we give it no distinction of sex, and though _it_ will be _active_ in _its_ vocations, yet we apply to _it_ the _neuter gender_. ‘THE TIMES, being formed of materials, and possessing qualities of opposite and heterogeneous natures, cannot be classed either in the animal or vegetable _genus_; but, like the _Polypus_, is doubtful, and in the discussion, description, dissection, and illustration will employ the pens of the most celebrated among the _Literati_. ‘The HEADS OF THE TIMES, as has been said, are many; they will, however, not always appear at the same time, but casually, as public or private affairs may call them forth. ‘The principal, or leading heads are-- The Literary; Political; Commercial; Philosophical; Critical; Theatrical; Fashionable; Humorous; Witty, &c. ‘Each of which are supplied with a competent share of intellects for the pursuit of their several functions; an endowment which is not in _all times_ to be found even in the HEADS of the _State_, the _heads_ of the _Church_, the _heads_ of the _Law_, the _heads_ of the _Navy_, the _heads_ of the _Army_, and though _last_, not least, the great _heads_ of the _Universities_. ‘The _Political Head_ of THE TIMES, like that of _Janus_, the Roman Deity, is doubly faced; with one countenance it will smile continually on the friends of _Old England_, and with the other will frown incessantly on her _enemies_. ‘The alteration we have made in our _head_ is not without precedents. The WORLD has parted with half its CAPUT MORTUUM, and a moiety of its brains. The HERALD has cut off half its head, and has lost its original humour. The POST, it is true, retains its whole head and its old features; and, as to the other public prints, they appear as having neither _heads_ nor _tails_. On the PARLIAMENTARY HEAD every communication that ability and industry can produce may be expected. To this great _National object_, THE TIMES will be most sedulously attentive, most accurately correct, and strictly impartial in its _reports_.’ The early career of the _Times_ was not all prosperity, and Mr. Walter was soon taught a practical lesson in keeping his pen within due bounds, for, on July 11th, 1788, he was tried for two libellous paragraphs published in the _Times_, reflecting on the characters of the Duke of York, Gloucester, and Cumberland, stating them to be ‘insincere’ in their profession of joy at his Majesty’s recovery. It might have been an absolute fact, but it was impolitic to print it, and so he found it, for a jury found him guilty. He came up for judgment at the King’s Bench on the 23rd of November next, when he was sentenced by the Court to pay a fine of fifty pounds, to be imprisoned twelve months in Newgate, to stand in the pillory at Charing Cross, when his punishment should have come to an end, and to find security for his good behaviour.